10 Best Finds Great Hotels Near Family-Oriented Museums

Washington, D.C.

Washington, DC's Smithsonian museum complex is teeming with family-friendly options, but it would be hard for any kid to resist the National Museum of Natural History. With its hands-on Discovery Room, Dinosaur Hall and Insect Zoo, there's something to pique the interest of any kid.

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For easy access to all 19 Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of Natural History, stay at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel. Perched atop a metro station just two blocks from the Smithsonian complex, the L'Enfant puts you right in the middle of the city's major monuments, including the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. When you're not out and about, your kids will enjoy the heated rooftop pool for some swimming under the stars.

New York

The Beacon Hotel is more than just a perfectly situated jumping off point for visitors on New York's Upper West Side, it offers the comfy convenience of home. Each of their spacious 260 guest suites comes well equipped with wireless internet, in-room movies, an iPod dock, kitchenette with a microwave and a coffee maker, and a living room sofa bed. Larger the usual cramped city hotel rooms, the Beacon is designed to give families some space to spread out and relax. Plus guests can stroll a mere three blocks to Central Park, four blocks to the American Natural History Museum and Hayden Planetarium, and 8 blocks to the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Views of the Hudson River and Central Park are just a couple of the perks guests of the Beacon Hotel enjoy

San Antonio

The San Antonio Children’s Museum located in downtown San Antonio is a great way for kids and parents to have fun learning and playing together, from the “Hill Country Bubble Ranch” exhibit to “Diamond Del’s Mining Adventure.” [PHOTO_214699]

San Antonio offers an array of kid-friendly hotels within walking distance, but the best choice is the Hyatt Regency on the Riverwalk. Not only does the river run directly through the hotel, but kids will love the rooftop pool, the amazing view of the Alamo as well as nearby arcades and candy shop, while parents will enjoy the day spa and the world-famous jazz club.

For families looking to get both a fun and educational experience out of a trip to Los Angeles, here are five hotels that are located close to these two museums, making it easy to visit them.

Residence Inn by Marriott: This hotel offers family-friendly rooms with iPod-docking stations, mini fridges and Wi-Fi access. The hotel also has an outdoor rooftop pool. Located less than two-and-a-half miles from Exposition Park, Residence Inn makes your stay in L.A. a comfortable and convenient one.

Luxe City Center Hotel: If you’re looking for a luxurious hotel close to the kid-friendly museums of Exposition Park, spend your stay at Luxe City Center Hotel. With free Internet access and in-room Nintendo games, your family will have an enjoyable stay in Los Angeles.

O Hotel: This contemporary hotel is conveniently located just a few miles from the Natural History Museum and Science Center. The hotel has modern amenities and also includes a free continental breakfast.

Ritz Milner Hotel: For families who are more budget-conscious, the Ritz Milner Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel located close to Exposition Park. It has modern conveniences and free wired Internet in all rooms.

Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles: This is a luxurious hotel with marble bathrooms and a rooftop pool and hot tub. The hotel also has panoramic views of the city. Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles is located a cheap two-and-a-half-mile cab ride away from Exposition Park.

San Francisco

If you want acres and acres of space for your kids to romp around, you can't do much better than the only hotel in the country located within a National Recreation Area.

The Inn at the Presidio offers not only all of the Presidio and Crissy Fields to explore, but just a quick walk away is The Walt Disney Family Museum. This recently established museum has more family-friendly activities and exhibits than you can poke a stick at - and the museum encourages kids to poke sticks, too. If your brood is ready for a museum that won't make them yawn until they are cranky, stay at the Inn at the Presidio and check out the Walt Disney Family Museum. Inn at the PresidioPhoto courtesy of Sherwood Design Engineers